Housing in South Africa

As a participant on an Arcadia program, you are guaranteed housing. Our priority is to provide a safe, clean, cost-effective and convenient place for you to live, while offering you every opportunity to explore the local culture and community.

Most student residences in South Africa feature self-catered, apartment-style living with single or twin bedrooms and shared kitchens, living and bathroom facilities. Single or double room depends on residence assignment.

Your program fee does not include meals or meal plans but you’ll be within easy reach of food stores and amenities. Please check out our fees and budget estimates for additional expenses.

Where possible we will place you with local students. If you want to submit a roommate request, we will need it from both you and your friend in writing. While we will do our best to accommodate your request, we cannot guarantee roommate requests.

It is very common to live in mixed-gender housing in South Africa. Your room will be single-gender, though shared common spaces can be mixed-gender. If you would prefer single-gender housing, please note this on your Housing Form and be sure to speak with your Program Manager to find out what is available on your program.

South Africa is an environmentally friendly country and air-conditioning and central heating are not standard in a typical residence. Remember that it will take some time to adjust to the climate.

You should typically expect a 15-30 minute commute from your housing to your program site. You may need to take a university shuttle, or Arcadia University-provided transportation, depending on your program.

Internet access will vary according to your specific program accommodation.

Bed linens are provided in all housing. However, towels are NOT provided.

You’ll have your accommodation throughout your term/semester, including breaks during the term/semester. Depending on your program and housing assignment, accommodation may be available between semesters for academic year southern hemisphere students; please check with your Program Manager for further information. Accommodation is not available between semesters for academic year students.

We will do our best to honor your housing preferences, however we cannot guarantee any specific housing assignments.

Since housing considerations can vary, we have to reserve our right to change accommodation options at any time.

Special needs

If you have any special needs regarding your accommodation – dietary, medical, physical – please let us know when applying. Any information received will be treated as confidential and only shared with individuals involved in your housing placement.